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How to Lobby Presented by Linda Anderson, Carnegie Mellon University Scott E. Miller, PHEAA. Our Goal. De-mystify the Lobbying Experience Help You Prepare for a Lobbying Visit Share the Keys to Successful Meetings Encourage You to Be an Advocate. PASFAA’s Role in Advocacy.
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How to Lobby Presented by Linda Anderson, Carnegie Mellon University Scott E. Miller, PHEAA
Our Goal • De-mystify the Lobbying Experience • Help You Prepare for a Lobbying Visit • Share the Keys to Successful Meetings • Encourage You to Be an Advocate
PASFAA’s Role in Advocacy • Government Relations Committee • Advises PASFAA leadership • Arranges annual D.C. Capitol Hill visits • Maintains Government Relations Resource Center on PASFAA website • Alerts membership to key issues • Communicates with Congress on specific issues
Preparing for a Hill Visit • Identifying and Researching Relevant Issues • Are there specific bills to address? • What is the Congressional agenda and timetable? • What are the perspectives/positions you should know? • Defining Your Position on An Issue • Gather input from PASFAA members, your school, other associations (e.g., NASFAA)
Preparing for a Hill Visit • Gather Data About Your School • Numbers of aid recipients and dollars • Trends in aid and costs • Collect Student Testimonials • Personal stories • Putting a “face” on the aid programs • Obtain Clearance from Your Institution
Preparing Handouts • Goal of a Handout • Guide your discussion • Provide reference material for Members of Congress and staff • One-Page Versus a More Detailed Letter • Detailed letter allows more in-depth descriptions and adds points beyond those discussed at the meeting • One-page “effect” can be met through an upfront summary and subheadings • Attach data, student testimonials, PASFAA brochures
Conducting A Hill Visit • Who to Visit • Hometown Representatives • Members of Education Committee • Key staff • Remember, You are the Expert • Avoid jargon • Be prepared to explain from scratch • Tell them something they don’t know
Keys to A Successful Visit • Be Prepared for a 10-Minute Drill • Prioritize your issues • Have a simple, memorable message • Provide a summary they will easily remember • Personalize Your Pitch • Build in data and student testimonials • Anticipate questions • Explain Opposing Views • Who and why • Treat Staff With As Much Respect As the Member or Senator
Do’s and Don’t • Be Prepared • Represent PASFAA sector perspectives • Never Argue • Never, Ever Lie or Exaggerate • Find a Reason to Follow Up • Start to Build a Long-Term Relationship
The Real Lobbyists of PASFAA • Things We’ve Learned • Be Flexible • Meetings in the hallway can be just as good, or better • No two meetings are alike • PASFAA’s opinion is valued • Wear comfortable shoes • Hill visits can be fun!
The Real Lobbyists of PASFAA • Stories From GRC Members….